Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder

Program Overview

The Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder Technical Certificate of Credit prepares students for careers in the welding and joining industry. This certificate emphasizes arc welding in the flat position and is pre-requisite to the advanced certificate.

Students are accepted into the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder certificate program every semester. A full-time student can complete this program in 1 semester. To graduate, students must earn a minimum of 12 semester credit hours.

Career Traits/Requirements

Individuals wanting to enroll in the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder certificate program must have good eyesight, manual dexterity, hand eye coordination, critical thinking skills, and the ability to apply technology to the work environment.

Offered at the Following Campuses/Delivery Mode

North Campus (Sandersville)

South Campus (Dublin)

Jefferson County Center

Salary Potential

$35,000.00 – $42,000.00

Program Costs

HOPE Career Grant:
The HOPE Career Grant, formerly known as the Strategic Industries Workforce Development Grant, is available to HOPE Grant-qualified students who enroll in select majors specifically aligned with one of 12 industries in which there are more jobs available in Georgia than there are skilled workers to fill them.

To qualify, an OFTC student must be fully admitted to the college, enrolled in one of the above programs and receiving the HOPE Grant for the same term. The amount of the HOPE Career Grant award is a fixed amount for each term of enrollment:

9 or more credit hours – $500/semester

3-8 credit hours – $250/semester

1-2 credit hours – $125/semester

Commercial Truck Driving – $1,000 one time award

High School students in dual enrollment and joint enrollment are NOT eligible.

Employment Opportunities

Students who successfully complete the Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welder certificate program would be ideal candidates to work for production and repair facilities. Instruction and practical application of learned skills provide a broad occupational background which appeals to prospective employers.

Students interested in furthering their training, education, and seeking possible job advancement could continue on in the Welding and Joining Technology diploma program.

Admission Requirements

Submit a completed application and application fee;

Be at least 16 years of age;

Submit official high school transcript or GED transcript;

Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;

Meet assessment requirements by taking the entrance placement test. In lieu of the placement test, official scores on COMPASS, ASSET, SAT, ACT, PSAT or GED may be substituted.

This course introduces the major theory, safety practices, and techniques required for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) in flat positions. Qualification tests, flat position, are used in the evaluation of student progress toward making industrial welds.4089